Dairy Queen Keeps Shuffling Across the Globe

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Dairy Queen announced plans for international expansion in 2010 that will include the opening of its first locations in Macau and Egypt.

“It was more than 50 years ago that we first expanded beyond the U.S. and Canada,” says John Gainor, president and CEO of International Dairy Queen Inc. “Since then, we’ve always viewed the international marketplace as a huge opportunity for our brand. We look forward to introducing great Dairy Queen products, including our signature Blizzard Flavor Treats to our friends in Macau and Egypt.”

In Macau, which along with Hong Kong makes up the two special administrative regions of China, the Hon Hoi Group (International) Co. Ltd will open two Dairy Queen locations within the year. The first is expected to open this spring. The Hon Hoi Group has multiple restaurants in Macau, China, and Canada, including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food concepts. Macau is the most densely populated region in the world with an economy that is tourism-driven.

The move into Egypt marks the 20th country where Dairy Queen will have a presence. Boraie Development, an Egyptian, family-run company with businesses in New Jersey and Egypt, will open the first DQ Grill & Chill restaurant in Cairo this summer, which will serve the same food and treats found on Grill & Chill menus in North America, with some local menu options as well. In addition to Cairo, there is the potential to open 40 to 50 restaurants throughout four to five additional Egyptian cities. With an estimated population of 83 million, Egypt is widely regarded as an important political and cultural center both in Africa and the Middle East and is enjoying a rapidly developing economy.

“International consumers are very open to trying new brands and are looking for high-quality food options,” says Rose Nichols Zinkel, director of international development for International Dairy Queen Inc. “Macau and Cairo are two markets where consumers eagerly are awaiting the opening of these Dairy Queen locations.”

Dairy Queen currently has 652 locations outside the U.S. and Canada, with 530 of those locations in Asia.